Fountain Care

Fountain Care

Foundation

  1. Slab: The most preferred foundation for any fountain is a concrete slab. Larger fountains, heavily irrigated areas, or soil that is light, new, or more porous will require a slab. Jacksons does not pour concrete slabs.
  2. Pea Gravel with Stepping Stones: Smaller fountains or fountains set on hardened soil are recommended to gravel and stepping stones laid prior to fountain set up. Jacksons sells both pea gravel and stepping stones for our customer’s convenience and can install at time of installation.

Leveling

  1. Jacksons fountain installers will level the fountain at the time of the installation.
  2. Soil settling, unlevel molds, or improper foundation may cause the fountain to become unlevel.
  3. Piecing together a fountain by mixing and matching parts from different fountains and/or other items may cause the fountain to be unlevel.

Electrical

  1. A 3-prong 110 volt plug should be available within 3-10 feet of fountain depending on the pump size. The electrical box needs to be set up outside the basin of larger fountains (not in the base or underground) and to the side of the fountains with no basin. We do not warranty any jobs where an electrical base is enclosed under fountain or inside the base of the fountain.
  2. GFI Outlets: If customer chooses a GFI outlet, the GFI must be kept away from the splash of the fountain so as not to constantly trip the GFI. A plug cover is recommended.
  3. Direct Wiring: Some customers choose to direct wire their pump to an electrical current. While this does offer convenience, the pump manufacturer will not warranty the pump if the plug is cut off for direct wiring. Jacksons is not licensed to direct wire pumps into electrical cords or boxes.

Water Level

  1. Most fountains are not designed to run continuously. Having a float installed by a plumber will keep the water level up. A timer may also be installed to shut off the fountain at a pre-set time. Jacksons is not licensed to install auto-fill devices or timers for fountains.
  2. Whether or not you decide to us and auto-fill type device, the water level on the fountain must be kept full enough to cover the pump. Failure to keep water levels high may burn out the pump.
  3. In the heat of the summer, water needs to be added daily.
  4. All fountains splash water. Care should be taken to keep the water flow at a level that will not cause the fountain to lose all its water too quickly. If you are concerned that a particular fountain may splash too much, please consider selecting another fountain with less splash.

Keeping your fountain clean

  1. Fountains need to be kept clean and free of debris. Debris may clog pump cover causing decrease in water flow.
  2. It is recommended to empty fountain on a regular basis and clean with soft brush. Mild soap may be used if desired. Frequency of cleaning depends on the amount of debris it collects. Most fountains require cleaning every 2 weeks.
  3. Do not ever use chlorine or any pool cleaning chemical in your fountain. Advers effects to pump, paint or stain color, and natural concrete finish will result. Use of an algaecide such as Fountec will help keep your fountain clean.
  4. Jacksons offers a fountain cleaning service starting at $150 and up depending on the size of your fountain.

Winter Care

  1. To prevent damage to fountain and pump, fountain should be drained if temperature drops below 32 degrees.

Warranties

  1. All pumps come with a 1 year warranty for problems not caused by misuse, lack of proper care, (i.e. chlorine in fountain or pump burn out due to lack of water), or changes made to the structure of the pump (i.e. direct wiring of pump cord).
  2. Jacksons installation charge warranties the fountains proper operation for a year contingent upon proper care and usage by the customer (see above). This warranty does not include fountain cleaning.

Jacksons Home & Garden offers expert advice, delivery and installation.

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